Terrorism charges against DCI Caldwell accused reinstated

PREVIOUSLY-dropped charges against a Tyrone man suspected of the attempted assassination of DCI John Caldwell have been reinstated.

Brian John Carron (39), from Claremount Drive, Coalisland, is currently remanded in custody charged with attempting to murder the senior officer as he coached a junior football team at Youth Sport in Omagh on February 22, 2023.

The attack was claimed by the New IRA and allegedly involved organised criminality.

Carron is one of eight people charged, the latest of whom, Alan Lundy (44), from Flax Street, Belfast, was charged last month.

During an unsuccessful bail application it was disclosed Lundy is believed to be “the New IRA commanding officer” in Belfast while co-accused Carron, is his Tyrone counterpart.

In addition are charged with preparing for acts of terrorism in relation to a Ford Fiesta believed to have been used in the attack.

Back in 2018, Caron was charged with firearms offences relating to what was described as one of the largest hauls recovered by police in the preceding ten years, including explosives, weapons, ammunition and detonators.

A detective previously told the court, Carron’s DNA was found on one a seized gun recovered from a car.

During police interview he was given numerous opportunities to provide explanations but refused to answer any questions.

Bail was initially refused but this was appealed at High Court, where despite police objections, Carron was released on extremely strict terms.

The case was adjourned numerous times as at one point was listed for a committal hearing to transfer to crown court for trial.

However, the week before this, a lawyer appearing for the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said, “All matters are to be withdrawn.”

Carron was released from all bail terms and he was free to go.

It was understood new evidence had come to light making it necessary for prosecutors to reconsider the test for prosecution and police needed additional time to make further enquiries.

As this could not be completed in time to meet the scheduled committal, prosecutors considered it appropriate to withdraw the charges and proceed by way of report to the PPS.

This left matters open to be revisited and as such the charges have been reinstated.

Court papers show Carron is accused of unlawfully and maliciously possessing explosive substances namely black powder, plastic high explosive, a tubular container for a PG-7 propellant/tail unit, detonating cord, glucose, two improvised copper cones, improvised battery holder/switch assemblies, an improvised inertia bar/striker, seven improvised electronic incendiary devices, three MK15 type improvised timer power units, an improvised tail fin assembly from a MK16 type improvised mortar bomb, components of the propellant chamber assembly for a MK16 type improvised mortar system, an improvised grip-stock assembly for a Propelled Recoilless Improvised Grenade Launcher, components of an improvised mortar tail fin assembly, sheathed safety fuse, twelve improvised detonators, a RPG Rocket Motor and a Propelled Recoilless Improvised Grenade Warhead MKII.

It is further alleged Carron had multiple firearms including four AK47 assault rifles as well as six magazines and other calibre ammunition.

Finally, he is accused of possessing a CO2 powered Smith Wesson air pistol, a black Vauxhall Astra, a silver Ford Focus, a grey Seat Leon car, a Blue Ford Transit van and two Nokia Mobile phones in suspicious circumstances.

The haul is alleged to have been with intent to endanger life and for use in terrorism.

Offending is alleged to have occurred on dates between October 2010 and April 2011.

While the case is listed before Dungannon Magistrates Court on April 12 as a committal hearing to transfer straight to trial, it is unclear if it will proceed on that date.